How to Find the Perfect Top Hat for Royal Ascot, Weddings & Formal Events

Few accessories carry the gravitas of a top hat. At events where formality and tradition take precedence, such as Royal Ascot, weddings, investitures or civic ceremonies, a top hat doesn’t just complete the look, it defines it.

At Lock & Co., we’ve been crafting and fitting top hats for such occasions since the 18th century. Here's how to choose the right style, colour and fit for your next formal event.

Do You Have to Wear a Top Hat at Ascot?

If you're attending the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot, the answer is yes — a top hat is part of the formal dress code.

Ascot Dress Code (Royal Enclosure):

Morning dress with a black or grey top hat is required.
Top hats may not be customised with ribbons, coloured bands or embellishments.
The hat should be worn outdoors and may be removed indoors or in private spaces, such as a hospitality box.

Explore our Ascot-ready hats →

How to style a top hat for Ascot →

What Colour (and Material) Top Hat for Ascot?

Black silk plush - The most traditional and formal option, often worn with black morning dress, this would be our recommendation.
Grey felt - A perfectly acceptable and popular alternative, particularly in warmer weather.

If you are unsure, black is always the safest and most formal choice.

Royal Ascot Morning Dress Guide

Understanding the Royal Ascot morning dressrequirements is essential when attending the Royal Enclosure. The Royal Ascot morning suit dress code is one of the most formal in the British social
calendar and should be followed with precision.

So, what is a morning dress?

A traditional morning dress consists of a black or grey tailcoat, worn with a waistcoat, formal striped trousers, a crisp shirt, and a tie or cravat. If you’re unsure how to wear a morning suit, the key is
balance and restraint, everything should feel tailored, polished, and understated.

No morning dress is complete without the correct morning dress accessories. These typically include:

A black or grey top hat
A pocket square
A tie or cravat (often in subtle patterns or muted tones)
Polished black shoes

For more guidance on preparing for the event, read our Royal Ascot FAQs, our guide to Silk Top Hats, or discover seasonal styling inspiration in our Racing Season Edit.

Silk vs Felt Top Hat Etiquette

When choosing your hat, understanding silk vs felt top hat etiquette is important.

A black silk top hat is the most formal and traditional choice, making it ideal for Royal Ascot and especially appropriate when paired with black morning dress. A grey felt top hat, on the other hand, is slightly less formal but still entirely acceptable, particularly when worn with grey morning dress or in warmer conditions.

If in doubt, a black silk top hat remains the definitive
option for elegance and tradition at Royal Ascot.

Choosing the Right Top Hat for a Wedding

It depends on the formality of the dress code, but a top hat is an elegant choice for any wedding where morning dress is requested.

When a Top Hat is Appropriate:

Traditional British weddings with a formal morning dress code.
Church weddings with a full dress ensemble.
Society or themed where sartorial impact is encouraged.

When in doubt, check the invitation or consult the groom’s party. At Lock & Co., we often advise both grooms and guests on suitable hatwear.

Discover how to wear and style a top hat →

What Type of Top Hat for a Wedding?

Grey felt top hats offer a softer, more celebratory tone.
Black top hats may be worn for more formal or traditional ceremonies.
Silk top hats are ideal for groom or best man, especially with vintage or heirloom tailoring.

Pro Tip:

If you're attending both Royal Ascot and a wedding in the same season, one carefully chosen top hat can serve both occasions, provided it’s well-maintained and stored correctly.

Care Guide

Do Men Actually Wear Top Hats to Weddings?

Absolutely, though less common in everyday weddings, they remain a key component of formal and ceremonial weddings, especially in the UK. Whether it's a city wedding with black tie or a country wedding with morning coats, a top hat brings distinction and elegance.

Many of our clients choose to wear one not out of obligation, but because the occasion warrants the extra flourish, and the photographs prove it’s worth it.